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Details Title: Earth's Physical Systems Description: 10-7-05 Total Flash Cards: 20 Created: 10/07/2005 11:56:51	To study from this set of flash cards, or to create your own your own study flash cards, register HERE. If you are already a registered user, CLICK HERE.
Cards Term Biosphere Definition The part of the earth where life exists. Term Mantle Definition Thick middle later of the earth's interior structure, consisting of dense, hot rock. Term Desalination Definition The removal of salt from sea water to make it useable for drinking and farming. Term Permafrost Definition Permanentaly frozen later of soil beneath the surface of the ground. Term Hydrospere Definition The watery areas of the earth, including oceans, lakes, river, and other bodies of water. Term Comets Definition A celestial body, observed only in that part of its orbit that is relatively close to the sun. Term Subduction Definition A process by which mountains can form as sea plates dive beneath continental plates. Term Moraine Definition Piles of rocky debris left by melting glaciers. Term Doldrums Definition A frequently windless area near the equator. Term Windward Definition Facing toward the direction from which the wind is blowing. Term Decidous Definition Trees, usually broad leaved such as oak and maple, that lose thir leaves in autumn. Term Lithosphere Definition Surface land areas of the earth's crust, including continents and ocean basins. Term Terrestrial Planets Definition Any of the four planets, Mercury, Venus, Earth, or Mars, that are nearest the sun and have similar size and density. Term Accreation Definition A slow process in which a sea plate slides under a continental place, creating debris that can cause continents to grow outwards. Term Fault Definition A crack or break in the earth's crust. Term Loess Definition Fine, yellowish-brown topsoil made up of particles of silt and clay, usually carried by the wind. Term Aquifer Definition Underground water-bearing layer of porous rock, sand, or gravel. Term Leeward Definition Facing away from the direction from which the wind is blowing. Term Chaparral Definition Type of vegetation made up of dense forests of shrubs and short trees, common in Mediterranean climates. Term Coniferous Definition Trees that have cones and needle-shaped leaves, including may evergreens that keep their foliage throughout the winter.